How to charge the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Japan

A page on how to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Japanese power outlet with a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power adapter and powering the iPhone 3G using a Type B USB adapter.

Japanese power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of voltages and plug types can often be confusing when planning on travelling to another country especially if you've never visited before. The following useful guide shows exactly how to power your iPhone 3G when you're travelling to Japan by using the B or A type 100 volt 60Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type B wall outlets will be used by most Japanese. If the iPhone 3G slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when visiting Japan from another country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally devices which come from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your device is a dual voltage device (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Japan

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Japan?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Japan by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Japan?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel adapter for Japan to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets that Japanese use (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port adapter means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel chargers for your trip. Only packing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Japan using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs. This offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Japan?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet

Using the 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally include the cable with your iPhone 3G).
  2. Start by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin adjacent slots where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type B USB adapter to charge your iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally include this cable with your iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Japanese power outlet

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..